Frequently Asked Questions

Questions are grouped into four categories: General, Membership, Claims and Training. If your question isn’t answered below, call us at 1-866-NRA-5050 or use the Contact Us form to send us a message.

General Questions

What is NRA Carry Guard?

The NRA Carry Guard Membership is the most complete product available for those who carry firearms. In addition to NRA Carry Guard training and education resources, it includes insurance protection for certain losses resulting from an act of self-defense while using a legally possessed firearm.

What are the benefits of NRA Carry Guard?

The NRA Carry Guard insurance program provides cutting edge insurance protection for those who lawfully carry firearms and their families, including protection against civil liability, the cost to defend against civil and criminal legal actions and immediate access to attorney referrals. It also includes supplementary payments as needed for bail, criminal defense legal retainer fees, lawful firearms replacement, compensation while in court, psychological support and clean-up costs for any covered claim resulting from the use of a legally possessed firearm—including an act of self-defense. All benefits are insured.

Why do I need insurance if I use my gun in self-defense?

Although you may legally use your firearm in self-defense, many homeowners’ policies have limitations or exclusions related to intentional acts, such as self-defense. There are also many unexpected procedures and costs associated with proving you acted in self-defense. From access to attorneys to the cost of proving your case, NRA Carry Guard insurance provides a safety net should you ever have to use your firearm in self-defense.

How does NRA Carry Guard compare to other similar programs?

NRA Carry Guard is the only carry program developed and supported by the NRA and includes NRA training and education. This is the premier product available on the market today insured by Chubb®, the largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company in the world. We encourage you to compare the following highlights of membership to other plans:

Each NRA Carry Guard Member has his or her own insurance limit. Other plans may have a shared limit among all members.

Insurance applies to spouses at no additional cost.

Insurance applies to family members who live with the NRA Carry Guard member for acts of self-defense in the home at no additional cost.

Civil defense legal fees are in addition to the insurance limit for each membership level.

All NRA Carry Guard benefits are fully insured. Other plans may utilize a committee to determine whether benefits apply.

NRA Carry Guard members have immediate access to supplementary payments as needed of up to 20% of the Criminal Defense Costs limit including:

Attorney consultation and retainer fees

Bail money

Member loss of earning up to $250 per day

Lawful replacement of legally possessed firearm

Clean-up costs for member’s residence

Psychological support counseling

NRA Carry Guard provides access to legal assistance as well as the ability to select your own counsel.

I already have insurance through another provider, how does NRA Carry Guard differ?

If you already have concealed carry insurance, you better read the fine print. You, your assets and everything you’ve worked for could be in jeopardy if you hold an inferior policy. NRA Carry Guard provides you with an individual limit – not a shared limit that could leave you at risk. Give one of our associates a call today to get the peace of mind you deserve. We have convenient plans that can start a policy up to six months in advance to ensure you have no lapse in the insurance protection you enjoy. Only NRA Carry Guard is developed and supported by the NRA and backed by Chubb®.

What is the administrative fee?

The administrative fee is charged to cover costs associated with the processing and maintenance of your membership.

Can you help me with my NRA membership?

Unfortunately, we cannot assist with your NRA membership. The NRA Carry Guard membership is separate from your NRA membership, but you can call 1-877-672-2000.

Is NRA membership included with the insurance?

When you sign up for NRA Carry Guard, you will receive a free year of NRA membership. If you are already a yearly NRA member, you will be allowed to activate another year of membership at no charge. If you’re an NRA Life member, you will be allowed to give a one-year NRA membership to someone.

What is the NRA Carry Guard Self-Defense Expo?

The NRA Carry Guard Expo, formerly named the NRA Personal Protection Expo, will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 25-27, 2017. It will feature concealed carry and self-defense seminars along with an exhibit hall of the latest guns and gear from major manufacturers.

What is NRA Carry Guard magazine?

Available to all NRA Carry Guard members, it’s one of the highest quality gun publications on the market. You can expect to receive the first issue in Fall 2017; the magazine will then be distributed quarterly in 2018 for a total of 4 issues per year.

Membership Questions

Are different membership levels available?

Yes, NRA Carry Guard offers four levels of membership with four tiers of insurance protection. The cost of membership can be paid annually or monthly.

Gold Plus ($549.95 annually or $49.95 monthly)$1,500,000 of civil protection with $250,000 in criminal defense costs reimbursed after acquittal or dismissal, with up to 20% of the criminal defense costs limit available as supplementary payments for expenses such as bail and legal retainers.

Gold ($359.95 annually or $31.95 monthly)$1,000,000 of civil protection with $150,000 in criminal defense costs reimbursed after acquittal or dismissal, with up to 20% of the criminal defense costs limit available as supplementary payments for expenses such as bail and legal retainers.

Silver ($254.95 annually or $21.95 monthly)$500,000 of civil protection with $100,000 in criminal defense costs reimbursed after acquittal or dismissal, with up to 20% of the criminal defense costs limit available as supplementary payments for expenses such as bail and legal retainers.

Bronze ($154.95 annually or $13.95 monthly)$250,000 of civil protection with $50,000 in criminal defense reimbursed after acquittal or dismissal, with up to 20% of the criminal defense costs limit available as supplementary payments for expenses such as bail and legal retainers.

I have insurance through another provider, can I buy now and have my policy go into effect at a specific time in the future?

Yes, you can have your NRA Carry Guard insurance put into effect up to 6 months in the future by enrolling today. If your other membership is past that timeframe, we can take your information and remind you when we get closer to your renewal.

When does my NRA Carry Guard insurance become effective?

If you join today, your membership and insurance protection can start as soon as tomorrow.

Are my spouse and family members insured?

Spouses are automatically insured at no additional cost. Resident family members are also insured for acts of self-defense that occur in your residence.

Police officers, private investigators, correction officers, security guards and military personnel can purchase memberships and would be insured for any off-duty incidents that occur outside the scope of employment.

Who underwrites the policy?

Policies are offered by Lockton Affinity, LLC on an excess & surplus lines basis and underwritten by Westchester, the excess & surplus lines specialty product group within Chubb, the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurer. Chubb® carries an AM Best financial rating of A+ XV and is the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. Lockton is the world’s largest privately held insurance broker.

Claims Questions

What happens when I have a claim?

Your NRA Carry Guard membership card and policy will provide specific instructions. Basically, your first call should be to 911 to immediately report the incident. After that, there is a phone number provided for 24/7 access to prompt legal assistance. Your claim will be reported to the insurance carrier so your insurance protection can begin immediately.

How do I get in touch with an attorney?

You can call any attorney you’d like. If you need assistance finding one, call the number on your NRA Carry Guard card and we will promptly assist you.

When I call the NRA Carry Guard number, is the person who answers the phone an attorney that represents me?

No, but that person can help you locate an attorney to represent you.

Do you ever recommend any particular attorney?

No. However, we can help you get in touch with an attorney who has expressed an interest in handling these types of cases.

Do the same limits of insurance apply regardless of which attorney I hire?

Yes. Different attorneys may charge different amounts, but the limits of insurance are the same regardless of which attorney you hire.

What should I tell the person who answers when I call NRA Carry Guard?

You should tell them your name, your NRA Carry Guard number and your phone number. Let them know you need the contact information for an attorney and identify the state and city in which the incident took place. Do not tell them about the incident—you should only speak to your attorney about the incident.

Should I call 911 before calling NRA Carry Guard?

Yes. Obtaining necessary emergency services should be your first priority.

How soon can I expect to receive claim payments from the insurance company?

You’ll have immediate access to supplementary payments as needed for bail money, attorney retainer fees, lawful replacement of your firearm, clean-up cost for your primary residence, loss of earning while in court, and psychological support. Up to 20% of the criminal liability reimbursement limit for your selected membership level is available. For example, a Gold Membership provides a $150,000 criminal liability reimbursement limit, so you would have up to $30,000 available for the Supplementary Payments.

If criminal charges are brought against you, the criminal defense costs sublimit will reimburse you for any expenses related to your criminal defense if you are acquitted. Civil liability protection will take care of the expenses related to your civil defense and certain damages you may incur. Insurance for civil damages is subject to the limit of insurance as determined by your membership level. The legal costs associated with defending you against any civil suit are in addition to the policy limit.

What’s the difference between criminal and civil liability?

A criminal case is a charge by the government that you broke the law. You may be subject to imprisonment and fines if convicted. A civil case is an action by an alleged victim, usually seeking money from the defendant. A civil case can be filed even if there are no criminal charges. Either type of case might arise from the use of a firearm.

How do the various insurance limits in my membership apply?

Each NRA Carry Guard member’s insurance applies to four components: Civil suit liability, civil defense legal costs, criminal defense reimbursement and supplementary payments. When an NRA Carry Guard member uses a legally possessed firearm in self-defense, the member will have immediate access to their insured supplementary payments. This amount is up to 20% of the criminal defense reimbursement limit. Any criminal defense costs incurred by the member are reimbursed when their case is dismissed or are found not guilty. If a civil suit is presented by the alleged victim(s), the remaining policy limit will apply. Supplementary payments and related criminal defense reimbursement expenses will reduce the amount of insurance available for civil suit damage awards.

For example, an NRA Carry Guard Gold member will have a total of $1,000,000 in policy limits available including a sublimit of up to $150,000 for criminal defense reimbursement. If a member uses a legally possessed firearm in self-defense, they will have immediate access to supplementary payments up to 20% ($30,000) of their criminal defense reimbursement limit. If all of the $150,000 limit available is used, the remaining policy limit of $850,000 is available for a civil suit damages judgment. All other civil defense costs including legal, to defend the NRA Carry Guard member are in addition to the policy limits and do not reduce the total policy amount.

Is the payment of criminal defense costs on a reimbursement basis?

Yes, payment of criminal defense costs is on a reimbursement basis. State laws prohibit insurance companies from providing insurance for criminal acts. Once charges against you are dropped or you are found not guilty, NRA Carry Guard protection will reimburse your criminal defense costs up to the sublimit provided by your membership level, less any Supplementary Payments made.

What should I do if I am involved in a self-defense incident?

In the event of an emergency, immediately call 911. After that, call the phone number that has been provided for 24/7 access for prompt legal assistance.

Training

What is NRA Carry Guard training?

The NRA Carry Guard program was created to be the gold standard in concealed carry training and to prepare responsible citizens who legally carry to effectively confront today’s evolving conflict environment. It was developed by elite military veterans in conjunction with law enforcement experts. It consists of three levels of training with Level One launching in June 2017.

While the courses are open to anyone who legally owns a handgun, this training may not be for everyone. It is designed for those who take carrying seriously—people who want to be more proficient shooters so they can carry concealed with greater confidence. It is for people who know it takes more than a gun to be well-armed, and who understand that carrying every day requires discipline, education and a respectful appreciation of the magnitude of drawing the gun from the holster.

The three-day program is based on the concept that “the best do the basics better” and focus on fundamentals on the range. Then those fundamentals are applied to real-life CCW situations, self-defense tactics and techniques, low-light shooting, force-on-force Air Soft scenarios and more. Students are evaluated on a course of fire where only a passing score earns eligibility to move to the next level—there are no participation certificates.

The NRA designed its Carry Guard program to be the very best resource for responsible citizens who are leading the concealed carry lifestyle. We encourage you to sign up for training today.

What makes NRA Carry Guard training different?

The NRA Carry Guard program is real-world, self-defense training designed for those leading the concealed carry lifestyle. It is not intended to replace other NRA training programs, but complements those programs and fills a void for those who want the gold standard of CCW training.

What are the benefits of going through NRA Carry Guard training?

The program was designed to challenge concealed carriers to improve their skills so they will become more proficient shooters and more confident carriers. Sessions include training on the fundamentals, practicing real-life scenarios, shooting in low light and learning from an elite group of experienced instructors.

Why do I need any concealed carry training?

While carrying a gun is our God-given right, responsible citizens should want to be well-trained and proficient in the use of their firearm.

Are there any prerequisites I need before taking NRA Carry Guard training?

You don’t need to have your concealed carry license already, but you need to come with an open mind and willingness to improve your skills. You’ll need to bring a reliable handgun and ammunition for the course. If you currently own or carry a sub-compact or defensive carry pistol, you should also bring that in addition to your range pistol. Other course requirements and range bag needs will be sent out prior to training.

When will training be available?

Level 1 in-person training is available now. To check available dates and locations and to sign-up, please visit here. More Level 1 course locations and dates will be added throughout the summer and fall. Check back here throughout the summer and fall for updates.

If you can’t attend in-person training, the NRA Carry Guard Level One Digital Training Series is the perfect way to hone your skills and prepare yourself for lawful self-defense. The series will be available soon and offers instruction from NRA Carry Guard Director of Training Eric Frohardt and Lead Instructor Jeff Houston – right on your computer or tablet, whenever and wherever.

Sign up for updates on our training page and be the first to know when new trainings are available.

Where does training occur?

NRA Carry Guard training locations and dates are continuing to expand. Our hope is to expand training to every state. Check back here throughout the summer and fall for new Level 1 course dates, times and locations. If you live in, or can travel to, Phoenix, Dallas or Oklahoma City, consider attending one of the inaugural courses, available now.

Sign up for updates on our training page under “Help Us Bring Training to You.”

If you can’t attend in-person training, the NRA Carry Guard Level One Digital Training Series is the perfect way to hone your skills and prepare yourself for lawful self-defense. The series will be available soon and offers instruction from NRA Carry Guard Director of Training Eric Frohardt and Lead Instructor Jeff Houston – right on your computer or tablet, whenever and wherever.

Sign-up for updates and be the first to know when the series becomes available.

Do I have to be an NRA member to participate in NRA Carry Guard training?

No, an NRA membership is not required to be an NRA Carry Guard member or to participate in training. However, we encourage all responsible firearms enthusiasts who value the freedoms our Second Amendment protects to sign up for NRA membership. Anyone who purchases NRA Carry Guard will receive a free one-year NRA membership.

Do I have to be an NRA Carry Guard member to participate in NRA Carry Guard training?

Having NRA Carry Guard insurance is not a requirement to take this course. Of course, we strongly recommend having the NRA Carry Guard coverage if you are going to carry concealed or keep a firearm in the home to defend yourself and your loved ones.

Is there more advanced training beyond Level 1?

Yes. Level 1 training is available now. Levels 2 and 3 will follow. NRA Carry Guard training was developed to allow students to progress up the ladder. Each level will focus on fundamentals, but as you progress, stricter time constraints, additional movement drills, tactics and techniques, and more complex scenarios will be added. This is training for those who take carrying seriously—people who want to be more proficient shooters so they can carry concealed with greater confidence.

When will Levels 2 & 3 be available?

Level 2 training will be available in 2018.

How much does training cost?

Level 1 training costs $850 per student. The cost covers a three-day course, course materials and NRA Carry Guard apparel. Once you are signed up for a course, your instructor will reach out to you with further details, including information about meals, hotels and course requirements/needs.

I am interested in becoming an NRA Carry Guard instructor, how do I go about that?

Thanks for your interest. Please fill out this form at the end of our Become an Instructor page and we will get back to you soon.

When are instructor training courses offered?

This information will be communicated directly to interested instructors.

Sign up for updates on NRA Carry Guard here to be the first to learn about new training courses or other program news.

Who teaches the instructor training courses?

The initial course will be taught by members of the elite military veterans and law enforcement experts who make up our NRA Carry Guard development team. Learn more about them here. We are currently expanding the cadre of instructors. If you are interested in becoming an NRA Carry Guard instructor, click here.

How much do the instructor training courses cost?

This information will be added to the site and/or communicated directly to interested instructors.

Do I need a concealed carry license before taking this course?

You do not need to already have a permit to carry a concealed firearm before taking this course. This course will certainly prepare you for the shooting portion of whatever CCW class your state requires. In addition, this course will help establish a solid foundation from which to build as you continue your training.

Can current NRA instructors apply to become an NRA Carry Guard instructor?

Yes. If you’re a current NRA instructor you can apply to be an NRA Carry Guard instructor. Similarly, if you’re a veteran military or law enforcement officer, you can apply to be an NRA Carry Guard instructor.